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BIMI Operations Manager

Are you passionate about preserving the marine environment?  Are you interested in public outreach? Are you a good leader? BIMI endeavors to inspire our visitors to learn to love Block Island through hands-on exploration of marine science and maritime activities. Our operations are growing and we are seeking a manager to support our Director in with overall operations and management of our aquariums.

BIMI Operation Manager, Full-Time

Position Announcement  

BIMI’s mission is cultivating curiosity and appreciation of our marine environment through education, exploration and conservation. BIMI is a small non-profit that is continually looking for innovative ways to reach and engage students and the general public. We are growing and seeking a manager to support our overall operations and aquariums.

The Operations Manager (Manager) will assist the Director ensuring that all facilities and programs meet established standards and provide a positive environment for visitors and staff. The manager will directly supervise BIMI’s interns while they perform aquarist tasks; work with the public; lead scheduled programs; and perform other related duties. 

The Manager will be the Lead Aquarist on-site and will continually advance their knowledge in marine ecology, core programs, aquarium operations, and business plans. The manager must maintain a positive attitude, act with integrity, be mission driven and self-directed. 

BIMI believes in collaboration amongst various nonprofits and educational institutions. The manager will need to be able to collaborate across various disciplines and may participate in collaborative research projects. 

We encourage autonomous thinking and independent problem-solving and are looking for a leader that inspires both visitors and staff. 

Primary Responsibilities include: 

Staffing

  • Assist in interviewing, training, retaining, and dismissing staff.
  • Schedule staff and volunteers.
  • Provide direct staff and volunteer supervision during assigned workdays.
  • Ensure staff prioritize visitor engagement.

Programs

  • Supervise staff’s implementation of all programs in conjunction with the Lead Marine Educator. Act as program lead when needed.
  • Ensure staff interaction with visitors is factual and engaging.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement in programs and report them to the Director.
  • Track and report program progress.
  • Work with the Director to provide and develop programs in the “off-season” (May, early June, September, and October.)

Partnerships

  • Engage with individuals in the local community including, but not limited to, schools and other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in a positive and cooperative manner to maintain and build positive relationships.
  • Under the Director’s leadership, identify and act on opportunities to build new partnerships, establishing relationships with funders as well as political and community leaders.

Daily Operations

  • Ensure program schedules are maintained, adjusting as needed due to inclement weather and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Ensure payments for programs are made, waivers are signed, etc. as needed for programs paying particular attention to those that are rescheduled.
  • Implement policies and procedures that support BIMI’s mission. Provide support to the Director to make revisions when needed.
  • Ensure the physical site is well maintained and inviting to visitors.
  • Ensure visitors have a positive experience.
  • Have primary responsibility to ensure aquariums and exhibits are stocked, monitored, and maintained, providing a safe environment for housed species and a pleasing experience for visitors. 
  • Provide direct oversight to intern(s) in aquarist related duties throughout the summer.
  • Identify needed items to support the aquariums and programs and submit requests to the Director.
  • Troubleshoot and maintain aquarium functions. Training will be provided accordingly.

Finances at BIMI Center

  • Assist with managing stock of merchandise sold at the BIMI Center. 
  • As assigned, close out the daily cash drawer at the BIMI Center.

Communication

  • Assist with outreach through BIMI website, social media, and other media outlets.
  • Assist with the management of the calendar of events for the Cove Room, ensuring it is current.
  • Assist Director in ensuring Cove Room A/V is in good working order to support lectures.

Equipment and Facilities 

  • Maintain the aquarium systems.
  • Directly participate in the set up and breakdown of aquariums at the beginning and end of each season. 
  • Work with the Director to open and close the facilities and grounds for the season.
  • Assist in ensuring the building and grounds are maintained.
  • Monitor for needed improvements.
  • Ensure storm preparedness.
  • Maintain a good working relationship with on and offsite vendors.
  • Ensure that the kitchen and Cove Room is maintained to meet the needs of all events, directly stocking and maintaining the kitchen as necessary.

Responsibilities for Support Functions include:

Fundraising & Public Relations

  • Provide support as requested at all BIMI fundraising functions. 
  • Ensure that the physical facility is prepared for events.

BIMI Events

  • Assist with the execution of all BIMI Tuesday Talks.
  • As assigned, oversee BIMI events making sure that someone is available to ensure that the site meets the contracted needs for the event including A/V. 

Docks

  • As programs and the aquariums impact the area on and around the dock, maintain a good relationship with slip holders and dockmaster.
  • Report any issues of concern that are brought forth to the board and/or dockmaster to the Director.

Tenants

  • Provide support to the person responsible for leasing apartments.

Other

  • Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Schedule: The Operations Manager is a salaried position. The manager will be scheduled 35 to 40 hours per week on site from April to November; winter weeks will be approximately 35 hours per week.  Some weekend days and after-hours are needed from mid-April to October. The Manager will further be responsible for after-hour emergencies when they are on-call when the facility is open for the season. 

Location: Block island, RI. Manager is provided an apartment from April to November that is located on site on the shores of New Harbor. 

Compensation: $50,000 to start with a scheduled increase to 52,000 on completion of ninety days and further review after 6 months.

Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance Reimbursement of $4,000 per year
  • PTO earned commencing at 90 days of employment including
    • 10 days paid vacation
    • 5 sick days 
    • Holidays include Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday as well as the time period beginning December 23rd and ending January 2nd. 

Minimum Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or Equivalent in a Related Field.
  • At least two years’ experience in a Leadership Role.
  • Experience in an aquarist or other animal care role.
  • Ability to earn CPR, First Aid, and PADI certificates.
  • Lifeguard Certification preferred.

Required Skills:

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. 
  • Computer literate
  • Capacity to create digital programs and media. 
  • Experience with a variety of digital media platforms preferred. 

Physical Requirements: 

  • Ability to occasionally lift approximately 50lbs.
  • Ability to work outdoors for long periods of time. 
  • Ability to stand, sit or walk for long periods of time.
  • Ability to swim.

Other: 

Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check.

How to Apply: Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, resumes and a cover letter must be submitted via e-mail to info@blockislandmaritime.org by no later than April 15, 2025. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director or Erin Mullen, Operations Manager at 401-500-3501. (Emails are preferred.) 

References must be supplied upon request.

Apply Here

Internships

We are now currently taking applications for our summer internships. Do you love being in and on the water? Do you have the desire to share that love with others? The Block Island Maritime Institute endeavors to inspire our visitors to learn to love Block Island through hands-on exploration of marine science and maritime activities. To do so, we need people that are excited to to work with other people; like working outdoors; and have experience and education in marine biology, oceanography or a related degree. Intern Applications for Summer 2025 will be due on January 20th, 2025. We will accept applications after the due date, but applications submitted before or on the 20th will be given precedent for interviews. 

This application is closed.

 

Conservation Outreacher

Position Announcement

Approximately April 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025

Primary Responsibilities 

As the Conservation Outreach Intern you will be splitting time between outreach duties at the Block Island North Light focused on Block Island seals and marine educator duties at BIMI Exploration Center. The Outreach Intern will be fully under the direction of the Operations Manager and work closely with the Mystic Aquarium team to aid in weekly observations from the North Light. 

 

Conservation Outreach

 

  • Public engagement at North Light Beach that focuses on education about the local seal population, including ongoing conservation efforts for Grey and Harbor seals in New England. Informing visitors about safety considerations for both seals and humans when visiting the beach and the federal protections in place for marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
  • Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children.
  • Closely working with the Mystic Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Team on public inquiries, daily observations, and additional outreach information.  
  • Conducting Seal Population Surveys.
  • Participate in Seal Responses and Field Studies. 

 

Marine Educator 

 

    • Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children. 
    • Engaging with visitors at our aquarium exhibits, providing education about the species on display. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
    • Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
    • Participating in the creation of social media content on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship. 
    • Assist and provide oversight to volunteers. 
    • Documenting daily activities, observations, and research. 
    • Under direction of the Operations Manager, providing maintenance of the aquarium tanks and Institute facilities. 
    • Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island. 
    • Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
    • Assisting with visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
    • Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Specific Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of marine science, wildlife conservation, ecology, or closely related fields, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting is preferred.
  • HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be able to work independently.
  • Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
  • Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director and Operations Manager when needed.
  • Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
  • Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
  • Bilingual preferred.

 

Compensation 

  • $17.00 per hour
  • The internship will average 35 to 40 hours per week at regular pay from about April 15th to October 30th. 
  • Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.

 

Other

  • Outreach Intern is part of a team supervised by the Operations Manager, Educational Lead, and Director.
  • Shared housing is included. A stipend for housing us available if housing is not needed.
  • If the intern takes employment outside of BIMI, they will  be required to pay half their share of the housing cost.
  • A rent credit may be available for full-time employees if housing is not needed.
  • Transportation, such as bringing your own bicycle, is recommended.

How to Apply

  • Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to bimi02807@gmail.com by January 20, 2025. We will accept applications after the due date, but applications submitted before or on the 20th will be given precedent for interviews. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director at 401-500-3501 or Erin Mullen, Operations Manager at 757-634-5880.

Packet must include:

  • Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
  • College Transcripts.
  • Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
  • Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to bimi02807@gmail.com.

This application is closed.

Fishing Academy Supervisor

Position Announcement

Approximately June 9, 2025 – August 31, 2025

The Fishing Academy was established back in 2010 with a mission of connecting kids to the island. In 2022, the Fishing Academy became a program of BIMI whose mission is cultivating curiosity and appreciation of the marine environment through education, exploration, and conservation. 

 

The Fishing Academy Supervisor conducts the administration and oversight of the Fishing academy program. Approximately 25% of the role will be spent in direct support of the BIMI Center and Aquarium, working closely with the Operations Manager. 

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Oversees the Fishing Academy program; responsible for additional Fishing Academy staff and volunteers assigned to the daily program. 
  • Under direction of the Operations Manager, providing daily maintenance of fishing rods, supply wagon, and all related fishing equipment. 
  • Engaging with visitors, providing education about local marine species. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
  • Maintains and tracks the Fishing Academy Attendees for each program day.
  • Responsible for checking weather patterns and making appropriate cancellation calls due to hazardous weather conditions
  • Keeps families and attendees informed on cancellations due to weather and reschedules/refunds attendees if necessary
  • Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
  • Participating in the creation of social media content related to the Fishing Academy program on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship. 
  • Documenting daily activities, observations, and research. 
  • Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island. 
  • Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
  • Assisting with private Fishing Academy sessions for visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
  • Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Specific Qualifications

  • Experience in salt and freshwater fishing techniques is preferred. 
  • Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree. 
  • Supervisory experience is preferred. 
  • Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting is preferred.
  • HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be an independent thinker and accomplish tasks independently.
  • Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
  • Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director and Operation Manager when needed.
  • Familiarity with various social media formats and ability to post on BIMI’s behalf preferred.
  • Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
  • Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
  • Lifeguard experience preferred.
  • Bilingual preferred.




Compensation 

  • $20 per hour with housing included
  • If housing is NOT needed; Substantial Housing Stipend is available 
  • The Fishing Academy Supervisor will average 35 to 40 hours per week at regular pay from about June 9th to approx. August 31st.  
  • Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.



Other

  • Fishing Academy Supervisor is part of a team supervised by the Operations Manager and Director.

 

How to Apply

  • Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to bimi02807@gmail.com by January 20, 2025. We will accept applications after the due date, but applications submitted before or on the 20th will be given precedent for interviews. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director or Erin Mullen, Operations Manager at 401-500-3501.

Packet must include:

  • Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
  • College Transcripts.
  • Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
  • Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to bimi02807@gmail.com.

This application is closed.

 

Full-time Seasonal Marine Science and Maritime Activities Educator

Position Announcement

Approximately June 16, 2025 – August 31, 2025

Primary Responsibilities

  • Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children. 
  • Engaging with visitors at our aquarium exhibits, providing education about the species on display. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
  • Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
  • Participating in the creation of social media content on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship. 
  • Assist and provide oversight to volunteers. 
  • Documenting daily activities, observations, and research. 
  • Under direction of the Operations Manager, providing maintenance of the aquarium tanks and Institute facilities. 
  • Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island. 
  • Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
  • Assisting with visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
  • Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
  • Other duties as assigned.



Specific Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting is preferred.
  • HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be an independent thinker and accomplish tasks independently.
  • Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
  • Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
  • Familiarity with various social media formats and ability to post on BIMI’s behalf preferred.
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director and Operations Manager when needed.
  • Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
  • Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
  • Lifeguard experience preferred.
  • Experience in water sports is preferred.
  • Bilingual preferred.

 

Compensation 

  • $16.50 per hour
  • The internship will average 35 to 40 hours per week at regular pay from about June 16th to about August 31st. 
  • Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.

 

Other

  • Interns are part of a team supervised by the Operations Manager, Educational Lead, and Director.
  • Housing may be provided, typically shared with other interns. Given the needs of running an aquarium and a non-traditional schedule of employment, BIMI is dependent upon its employees to be flexible. BIMI provides housing including utilities only for employees that can provide that flexibility. If the BIMI employee chooses to work for another entity or commit themselves to any project that disallows flexibility in the employee’s schedule, the employee will have to pay their fair share of rent and utilities for the apartment.
  • A rent credit may be available for full-time employees if housing is not needed.
  • Transportation, such as bringing your own bicycle, is recommended.

 

How to Apply

  • Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to bimi02807@gmail.com by January 20, 2025. We will accept applications after the due date, but applications submitted before or on the 20th will be given precedent for interviews. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director or Erin Mullen, Operations Manager at 401-500-3501.

Packet must include:

  • Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
  • College Transcripts.
  • Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
  • Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to bimi02807@gmail.com.

This application is closed.

Part-time Seasonal Marine Science and Maritime Activities Educator

Position Announcement

Approximately June 16, 2025 – August 31, 2025

Primary Responsibilities

  • Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children. 
  • Engaging with visitors at our aquarium exhibits, providing education about the species on display. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
  • Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
  • Participating in the creation of social media content on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship. 
  • Assist and provide oversight to volunteers. 
  • Documenting daily activities, observations, and research. 
  • Under direction of the Operations Manager, providing maintenance of the aquarium tanks and Institute facilities. 
  • Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island. 
  • Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
  • Assisting with visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
  • Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  •  

Specific Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting is preferred.
  • HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be an independent thinker and accomplish tasks independently.
  • Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
  • Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
  • Familiarity with various social media formats and ability to post on BIMI’s behalf preferred.
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director and Operations Manager when needed.
  • Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
  • Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
  • Lifeguard experience preferred.
  • Experience in water sports is preferred.
  • Bilingual preferred.

Compensation 

  • $16.50 per hour
  • The internship will average 35 to 40 hours per week at regular pay from about June 16th to about August 31st. 
  • Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.

Other

  • Interns are part of a team supervised by the Operations Manager, Educational Lead, and Director.
  • Shared housing is included. If the intern takes employment outside of BIMI, they may be required to pay half their share of the housing cost.
  • Transportation, such as bringing your own bicycle, is recommended.

 How to Apply

  • Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to bimi02807@gmail.com by January 20, 2025. We will accept applications after the due date, but applications submitted before or on the 20th will be given precedent for interviews. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director or Erin Mullen, Operations Manager at 401-500-3501.

Packet must include:

  • Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
  • College Transcripts.
  • Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
  • Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to bimi02807@gmail.com.
Apply Here

Volunteer with BIMI

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us meet our demands throughout the summer. The volunteer experience offers participants the ability to develop knowledge and skill in a supportive environment.

We welcome applications from individuals of diverse age, experience, ethnicity and physical ability.

Below are summaries of possible volunteer opportunities. To request more information, please contact us at: info@blockislandmaritime.org

Become a Volunteer!